View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom are Omakayas and Angeline surprised to see coming out of the school?

2. Why does Deydey leave the family for awhile in Chapter 7?

3. Why does Omakayas go off by herself for awhile in the woods?

4. What color beads does Ten Snow use on the item for her husband?

5. The family travels to the woods to ________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Deydey do with the shop owner to earn a bit of money and some food for the family?

2. What does Nokomis tell Omakayas about the voices they hear and about what Omakayas' path in life is going to be?

3. Explain how Deydey acts on a dream that Nokomis has about One Horn.

4. What happens to Omakayas after the smallpox deaths, and who is the one who is able to help her?

5. What skill does Ten Snow have and what item does she make for her husband Fishtail?

6. What happens to the white voyageur who interrupts the community dance?

7. What is the event that saved the family's bodies and the one that saved their souls according to Omakayas?

8. How does the author explore the themes of the relationship between humans and nature and Omakayas' journey of transformation?

9. How does Omakayas help pinch when he burns himself with boiling syrup?

10. Describe Omakayas' preparation and attempts at her spiritual quest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the close connection between the Ojibwa family and the nature surrounding it. Why were elements of nature particularly important for the Ojibwa family? How does the author show the strong connection between the Ojibwa family and nature? Provide two examples to support your ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Louise Erdrich is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphor, and irony. Briefly describe each, identifying the technique used.

Essay Topic 3

THE BIRCHBARK HOUSE is a classic example of historical fiction. What does that classification entail? Why does this book fit into this category?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,162 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample